Praying With Angels

Hitching a holy express ride at the Western Wall.

I've been to Israel some 40 times and on virtually every trip, I try to steal away from all the appointments, obligations and engagements to spend a few moments absorbed in prayer, study and meditation at the Western Wall.

The Western Wall is many things. Archeologically, it is the 2,000 year old, last surviving remnant of the most important and most holy of Jewish sites: the First and Second Temples. Politically, it is a thorn in the side of revisionists, who vociferously allege that Jews have no historical roots in the land of Israel. Religiously, it is the place where an individual's tarnished relationship with the Almighty can regain its luster. Historically, for at least 1,000 years, every praying Jew faces the Temple Mount, thereby making it a virtual and literal focal point.

On this particular Monday morning, I found myself particularly lost in thought as I prayed the traditional Morning Prayer service within inches of the Wall. The February sun tugged at the clouds and a soft breeze blew chilly. I consciously attempted to envelope myself in the cloak of the many, many millions of prayers which hung over this place. Exhausted prayers, bordering on hopelessness, which had emanated from behind the barbed wire fences of Auschwitz. Prayers of intense happiness issued from the overjoyed lips of first time parents. Desperate prayers said around the world for the speedy recovery of bus bombing victims. Ancient prayers from long, long ago crying over the destruction of the Temples and the human carnage left in its wake.

Like a kite, I willed my own little prayer to catch a ride and be carried aloft to reach the heavens on the powerful updrafts of the amazing supplications preceding it.

And suddenly it was all gone.

The intensity, the passion and concentration came to a screeching halt when a particularly raucous group of worshippers came out of nowhere and had the audacity to pray so noisily behind me that our service was almost completely drowned out by theirs.

Not only were they loudly encroaching on my space but they were saying the wrong prayers. They were singing Sabbath hymns on Monday! And if that wasn't bad enough, the offenders -- grown men all -- began to sing a Jewish alphabet song in the middle of their so-called prayer service!

I spun my head around with every intention of giving my uncouth neighbors the benefit of an angry stare, when I suddenly noticed who these people really were.

Finding myself completely unable to concentrate, I spun my head around with every intention of giving my uncouth neighbors the benefit of an angry stare, when I suddenly noticed who these people really were. Nearly a third of them had Down's syndrome. Of the rest, about half were clearly recognizable as developmentally disabled adults.

An old Chassidic story I once heard instantly sprang to life inside my head.

It was the eve of Yom Kippur and in this particular European shtetl (a small, overwhelmingly Jewish town in Eastern Europe), it was traditional for the Grand Rabbi to open the years' most solemn prayer service with a fiery sermon of repentance. But on this particular year, the saintly Rebbe stood at the podium and to his dismay found that he could not mouth even a single word.

Plainly disturbed, the Rebbe tried again but the words would not come. He then motioned for the congregation to wait. Out of respect and love for their Rabbi, they waited for what seemed to be an eternity.

After the impossibly long delay, the synagogue's massive doors swung open wide and in walked the town's deaf-mute. Without breaking his stride, the young man raced to an empty seat, sat down and promptly began to whistle.

"Shhh…. quiet down!" they yelled at the boy, but he, of course, could not hear them. So he continued to whistle and the congregants continued to rebuke the young man in escalating tones. At this point the Rebbe rushed to the podium for a second time and told the congregants that the delay was now over and the prayer service should commence immediately.

Puzzled as to how what had just transpired broke the impasse, the congregation was none the less eager for the evening to move along. The Evening Prayer was appropriately recited and immediately afterwards the Rebbe was surrounded by disciples eager to know what the delay had been all about.

"A terrible edict had been issued in heaven due to the inequity and lack of unity among our people," said the Rebbe. "The decree was so powerful that I knew that all of your prayers would not be adequate to overcome it. So I delayed the start of services this evening, hoping that some great merit would materialize and allow our prayers to save us from harm."

Lowering his voice, the Rebbe continued. "When the boy walked into the synagogue tonight, he did so in reaction to an overwhelming urge to be one with his people in supplicating the Almighty on this holiest day. Being a deaf-mute he could only pray by whistling his beautiful, soul-felt prayer. And having never disparaged another human being by speaking against them, his was the only absolutely pure prayer in the room tonight. As soon as he was done I rushed to begin the services so that our lesser supplications would somehow follow directly behind his as they smashed through the otherwise closed gates of heaven."

I, too, had been seeking a lead prayer to enhance my own entreaty before God. And here I was getting all worked up about the noise and my own discomfort when, in fact, all God was doing was sending me the purest souls anywhere in the universe with whom to hitch a holy express ride at the Western Wall.

I realized that too often we not only fail to see blessings which are divinely extended to us, but are in fact bothered by inconvenience with which it is sometimes bundled.

I stopped to shake each one's hand and to thank them for being such wonderful, if thinly disguised, heavenly angels of mercy.

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About the Author

Rabbi Yerachmiel Milstein is a senior lecturer for Discovery Productions and is the Executive Vice President of Project Chazon, which presents workshops in 300 high schools in the US, Canada and England designed to prevent self-destructive behaviors in teens.

Visitor Comments: 34

(34)
Shira,
April 23, 2004 12:00 AM

What a wonderful article!!

This article almost brought me to tears. I grew up with a disabled sibling and never quite appreciated him. Thank you author for casting a new light on those special souls! Thank you Aish.com for publishing this article.

(33)
doloresv.smith,
April 14, 2004 12:00 AM

Grateful

Thank you so much for making this available for me to read. It certainly shows the desire of the Almighty to receive pure communion with us. Thank you, again and may He continue to bless you and direct your path straight to Him and not be mislead.

When counting my blessings, you are definitely one! Thanks for the article.

(29)
nava batya,
April 1, 2004 12:00 AM

angels

be kind to everyone one meets for they may be an angel. even sounds may be a gentle reminder to look to HASHEM.it is not about us or even our works but to glorify HASHEM.may HASHEM shine greatly to all.shalom

(28)
Echo,
March 29, 2004 12:00 AM

peace

Thank you for the story! I just want to say we need peace.We're all looking for it.

(27)
D.Eriskat,
March 26, 2004 12:00 AM

"angels are everywhere"

thank you for that beautiful story!may we always see and open up to angels that surround us everywhere!

(26)
Efraim,
March 26, 2004 12:00 AM

What an insight

What a story.
What an insight.
I will look at these children different from now on.

LIfe changing

A friend from your days at Laniado

(25)
Beverly Kurtin,
March 25, 2004 12:00 AM

A peek?

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always felt my nefesh lightened when in the presence of a person with Down’s syndrome. I never knew why. Now I do.

Perhaps we are honored to have a peek into the gates of heaven when we see their purity and infinite love for all.

(24)
Anonymous,
March 25, 2004 12:00 AM

so special

As someone who works daily with individuals with special needs I found this so inspirational. Physical and cognitive limitations certainly do not limit spiritual growth, as you so poetically expressed yourself, they in effect really act as a catalyst to reach higher spiritual heights for those of us with the sensitivity to allow it to. Thank you!!

(23)
Ted Emsley,
March 25, 2004 12:00 AM

Beautiful

...there are tears in my eyes.

(22)
Sue Abrams,
March 25, 2004 12:00 AM

What a beautiful and inspiring article!

(21)
myrna,
March 25, 2004 12:00 AM

My uncles used to tell m e stories like this one

(20)
Debbie Frank,
March 25, 2004 12:00 AM

Thank you for the reminder!

I almost always begin my workday reading your daily lift. Today I wish to thank you for the reminder that not only does Hashem send us angels to comfort us, but if we will only stop to look and listen, we will see and hear the angels that walk the earth with us. Today I shall take time to look and listen for these angels.

(19)
Ora Yellin,
March 25, 2004 12:00 AM

Beautiful, touching,and so true...

This story should be published ,and made the "normal" teachers and students study it !! it's more important than any other "knowledge",it's the powerful message of "betzelem"...

(18)
Mark,
March 23, 2004 12:00 AM

It was inspiring

A very heartfelt and insightful article into the souls of often misundersood people. I loved it.

(17)
Anonymous,
March 22, 2004 12:00 AM

Although I have intellectually accepted that at times G_d extends blessings to us, which may be bundled with inconvenience, that knowledge have not yet reached my heart.
This article comes in a very timely manner, so I'd be reminded of this concept. Thank you, very much.

(16)
Anonymous,
March 22, 2004 12:00 AM

Great!!

In this amazingly well written article, Rabbi Milstein effectively relays some very important points. Firstly, this article taught me that every one of G-ds creations has a unique and very special purpose. We therefore have to be aware to respect all of mankind. More importantly, this article taught me to be conscious and always pause and reflect to find meaning in everything around us.

(15)
Alex Talkar,
March 22, 2004 12:00 AM

Classic Article

I think more than Prayer Words feelings are very important. In order to convey our true Thanks to ALL Mighty for all He has given us feeling of passion and love at the time of prayers is very important even if words dont't spell out, like our Silent Prayers (Amehida) which connects us directly to ALL Mighty.
Thank You for the inspiring article.
Alex

(14)
Anonymous,
March 22, 2004 12:00 AM

Rav Auerbach re Down"s Syndrome

Aptly tiltled article. I was told by a reliable source that Rabbi Shlomo Auerbach of blessed memory used to stand up when an individual with Downe's Syndrome entered the room. He explained his action by stating that people in this "condition" are the reicarnated souls of Tzaddikim back on earth to spend a period of time in sin free existance.

(13)
Anonymous,
March 22, 2004 12:00 AM

Beautiful

Beautiful, this story shows the simpleness and beauty of God in the human soul. Have you ever noticed how the most spiritually beautiful, innocent, and well-intentioned people are often treated the cruelest by the people they trust. That is why God has selected them.

(12)
Anonymous,
March 22, 2004 12:00 AM

Thank You

What a poignant message. One never knows when an angel is in one's midst. In addition, everyone's soul is potentially angelic in its connection to Hashem and is worthy of profound respect. The challenge as you point out is that the packaging is not always wrapped beautifully, but the gift within is great.
May you and your work be blessed.
Yehudit

(11)
Joan,
March 21, 2004 12:00 AM

Excellent

I converted to Judaism forty-one years ago. Aish articles reinforce my love and the wise decision I made at that time. Thank you !

(10)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2004 12:00 AM

Beautiful. Thank you.

Beautiful article. Thank you for reminding me that God's will may sometimes be inconvenient for me but is always for my benefit. Life would be so much easier if I could allign my will with His.

(9)
lost relatives in Israel,
March 21, 2004 12:00 AM

Great Reminder!!!!!

Thank you so much for putting a new perspective to an old dilema. This will surely change the way I daven especially at the Kosel. thanks a ton.

(8)
Verena-Maria,
March 21, 2004 12:00 AM

Thank you for Blessing my Day

Thank you so much. It made my day reading this article. I am actually a Christian but I grew up in a Jewish area and my first playmates where Jewish children. Their parents were like uncles and aunts to me so I have always felt linked. We had a young boy with Down Syndrome in our street. Besides myself his main playmates were my Jewish friends who had kind and accepting hearts because they had been taught to love, value and accept differences. How many other faiths can claim to be teaching their children this? I may be a Christian but I thank the Almighty for the wisdom, love and continuing existence of the Jewish people - a finer model of endurance and determination I do not know. Bless you x

(7)
ted goldman,
March 21, 2004 12:00 AM

immensely moved

i worked for years among the mentally challenged, spending hour at a time in their seclusion rooms, feeding one her breakfast for six months while her arms were restrained, not knowing how close i was to the openning of heaven. i was non-observant, a spiritual failure, only guessing about the rabbi's clear knowing.... the sign to him was not shared with the congregation until after the deaf boy's prayer... oh, would that i were allowed that clarity in my jobs among these people....now i am retired, and almost alone. thank you for reminding me of what might have been for me, and what possibly was for my charges.

(6)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2004 12:00 AM

Down Syndrome as a Blessing

I have been the live-in attendant for a Gentile Down Syndrome adult for several years; I love my job.

He is limited with his speech. Accordingly, he never speaks lashon hara. He has no racial, religous, or ethnic prejudice within him.

I've taken him with me to Orthodx shul on a few Sunday mornings. The men there treat him with respect as a highly evolved reincarnated soul.

He wears a yarmulkah in the shul and rocks back and forth while he prays as a Goy.
He knows what Tefillin are and watches while I light the Shabbas candles every Friday.

When he davens, I know that HaShem pays close attention. I have learned from him.

(5)
S.,
March 21, 2004 12:00 AM

That was a beautiful story

(4)
Fred Le Vine,
March 21, 2004 12:00 AM

feelings at te Kotel

I am no longer the Cheder Booker that I waas in my tyouth bt today as an octagenerican I can truly agree with the sentiments attached by being at the Kotel

(3)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2004 12:00 AM

Excellent

This article is so beautiful. We do need to take a moment and realize everything around us
I think our prayers would be more effective if we purified our mouths and put more feeling into praying. Beautiful article
Thanks

(2)
jennifer,
March 21, 2004 12:00 AM

this is why I love this religion.

(1)
Simcha-Avigdor,
March 21, 2004 12:00 AM

MY HEART CRIED ....

MY HEART CRIED AT THE THOUGHT OF HAVING THIS VERY SAME MENTALITY TOWARDS THOSE DESGUISED ANGLES OF HASHEM...MAY G-D HAVE MERCY UPON US...AND MY PRAYER, MAY HASHEM CONTINUOUSLY MOLD AND RENEW OUR MINDS/HEARTS...ESPECIALLY TOWARDS OUR FELLOW MAN...

I'm told that it's a mitzvah to become intoxicated on Purim. This puzzles me, because to my understanding, it is not considered a good thing to become intoxicated, period.

One of the characteristics of the at-risk youth is their use of drugs, including alcohol. In my experience, getting drunk doesn't reveal secrets. It makes people act stupid and irresponsible, doing things they would never do if they were sober. Also, I know a lot about the horrible health effects of abusing alcohol, because I work at a research center that focuses on addiction and substance abuse.

Also, I am an alcoholic, which means that if I drink, very bad things happen. I have not had a drink in 22 years, and I have no intention of starting now. Surely there must be instances where a person is excused from the obligation to drink. I don't see how Judaism could ever promote the idea of getting drunk. It just doesn't seem right.

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Putting aside for a moment all the spiritual and philosophical reasons for getting drunk on Purim, this remains an issue of common sense. Of course, teenagers should be warned of the dangers of acute alcohol ingestion. Of course, nobody should drink and drive. Of course, nobody should become so drunk to the point of negligence in performing mitzvot. And of course, a recovering alcoholic should not partake of alcohol on Purim.

Indeed, the Code of Jewish Law explicitly says that if one suspects the drinking may affect him negatively, then he should NOT drink.

Getting drunk on Purim is actually one of the most difficult mitzvot to do correctly. A person should only drink if it will lead to positive spiritual results - e.g. under the loosening affect of the alcohol, greater awareness will surface of the love for God and Torah found deep in the heart. (Perhaps if we were on a higher spiritual level, we wouldn't need to get drunk!)

Yet the Talmud still speaks of an obligation on Purim of "not knowing the difference between Blessed is Mordechai and Cursed is Haman." How then should a person who doesn't drink get the point of “not knowing”? Simple - just go to sleep! (Rama - OC 695:2)

All this applies to individuals. But the question remains - does drinking on Purim adversely affect the collective social health of the Jewish community?

The aversion to alcoholism is engrained into Jewish consciousness from a number of Biblical and Talmudic sources. There are the rebuking words of prophets - Isaiah 28:1, Hosea 3:1 with Rashi, and Amos 6:6, and the Zohar says that "The wicked stray after wine" (Midrash Ne'alam Parshat Vayera).

It is well known that the rate of alcoholism among Jews has historically been very low. Numerous medical, psychological and sociological studies have confirmed this. The connection between Judaism and sobriety is so evident, that the following conversation is reported by Lawrence Kelemen in "Permission to Receive":

When Dr. Mark Keller, editor of the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, commented that "practically all Jews do drink, and yet all the world knows that Jews hardly ever become alcoholics," his colleague, Dr. Howard Haggard, director of Yale's Laboratory of Applied Physiology, jokingly proposed converting alcoholics to the Jewish religion in order to immerse them in a culture with healthy attitudes toward drinking!

Perhaps we could suggest that it is precisely because of the use of alcohol in traditional ceremonies (Kiddush, Bris, Purim, etc.), that Jews experience such low rates of alcoholism. This ceremonial usage may actually act like an inoculation - i.e. injecting a safe amount that keeps the disease away.

Of course, as we said earlier, all this needs to be monitored with good common sense. Yet in my personal experience - having been in the company of Torah scholars who were totally drunk on Purim - they acted with extreme gentleness and joy. Amid the Jewish songs and beautiful words of Torah, every year the event is, for me, very special.

Adar 12 marks the dedication of Herod's renovations on the second Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 11 BCE. Herod was king of Judea in the first century BCE who constructed grand projects like the fortresses at Masada and Herodium, the city of Caesarea, and fortifications around the old city of Jerusalem. The most ambitious of Herod's projects was the re-building of the Temple, which was in disrepair after standing over 300 years. Herod's renovations included a huge man-made platform that remains today the largest man-made platform in the world. It took 10,000 men 10 years just to build the retaining walls around the Temple Mount; the Western Wall that we know today is part of that retaining wall. The Temple itself was a phenomenal site, covered in gold and marble. As the Talmud says, "He who has not seen Herod's building, has never in his life seen a truly grand building."

Some people gauge the value of themselves by what they own. But in reality, the entire concept of ownership of possessions is based on an illusion. When you obtain a material object, it does not become part of you. Ownership is merely your right to use specific objects whenever you wish.

How unfortunate is the person who has an ambition to cleave to something impossible to cleave to! Such a person will not obtain what he desires and will experience suffering.

Fortunate is the person whose ambition it is to acquire personal growth that is independent of external factors. Such a person will lead a happy and rewarding life.

With exercising patience you could have saved yourself 400 zuzim (Berachos 20a).

This Talmudic proverb arose from a case where someone was fined 400 zuzim because he acted in undue haste and insulted some one.

I was once pulling into a parking lot. Since I was a bit late for an important appointment, I was terribly annoyed that the lead car in the procession was creeping at a snail's pace. The driver immediately in front of me was showing his impatience by sounding his horn. In my aggravation, I wanted to join him, but I saw no real purpose in adding to the cacophony.

When the lead driver finally pulled into a parking space, I saw a wheelchair symbol on his rear license plate. He was handicapped and was obviously in need of the nearest parking space. I felt bad that I had harbored such hostile feelings about him, but was gratified that I had not sounded my horn, because then I would really have felt guilty for my lack of consideration.

This incident has helped me to delay my reactions to other frustrating situations until I have more time to evaluate all the circumstances. My motives do not stem from lofty principles, but from my desire to avoid having to feel guilt and remorse for having been foolish or inconsiderate.

Today I shall...

try to withhold impulsive reaction, bearing in mind that a hasty act performed without full knowledge of all the circumstances may cause me much distress.

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